The city of Palo Alto today (May 7) announced a deal with a developer who was forcing through towers reaching 17 stories on top of Mollie Stone’s Market on California Avenue.
Chris Freise of Redco Development has agreed to shrink his project to 14 stories, or 144 feet in height.
The development would also have two 12-story buildings, with Mollie Stone’s taking up two floors on the ground floor at 156 California Ave.
Palo Alto City Council will consider approving an agreement with Freise on May 18.
Friese had invoked the Builder’s Remedy, a provision in state law that requires cities to approve housing developments when they’re late on their housing plans.
His Builder’s Remedy proposal had a 17-story, 11-story and seven-story building with a total of 382 apartments.
Friese could revert to the Builder’s Remedy project if council rejects the agreement, which was negotiated with a committee led by Councilman Ed Lauing.
“The state’s Builder Remedy law provides authority to a developer for massive height and density without local control. But we asked Mike Stone and his developer to work with us to create a better project,” Lauing said in a statement. “Notably, the tower height is reduced by 30 feet and affordable housing remains a priority.”
When the Palo Alto City Council meets on May 18, I hope they will support these new homes next to the California Avenue CalTrain station. We need them!